Most people would probably think of a narcissistic sociopath as having a high self-esteem, but the majority of the time, it is the exact opposite. They have a deep sense of insecurity of underneath their grand exterior. They want/need others to be envious of them, but usually they are the jealous one. They are competitive and threatened by others achievements. Their relationships are often stormy and short-lived. They leave a trail of hurt feelings in their wake. They are easily hurt, but normally choose not to show it. They can't stand criticism, make excuses, and refuse to take responsibility for their own flaws and failures. They believe they are natural leaders who can easily sway others. They never listen. It’s a one way street. All take, no give. …show more content…
Is a person simply born this way? Do they grow and evolve into a narcissist or sociopath. The causes of narcissistic personality disorder aren't well understood. Inherited genetic defects are thought to be responsible for up to 50% of cases. Environmental factors may also contribute to the disorder, such as childhood abuse and/or neglect, excessive pampering or unrealistic expectations from parents. (Levy, R. 2015). Parents fail to provide sufficient nurturing and support or an emotional level by not recognizing and respecting their children's individuality, but they also try to mold them according to their image of how they should be. The lack of nurturing and recognition aggravates the distortions, but it is the distortion that produces the narcissistic
According to the article Modernity and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (2014) by Joel Paris, narcissistic personality disorder is a pathological amplification of narcissistic traits. This means that unlike a normal person, the traits in a narcissistic person that defines their personality are usually increased from a 1 to a 10. They are always the “self-absorbed” guy in the crowd.
When one is stressed, one’s hormonal level in cortisol will increase rapidly. Excessive amounts of cortisol in your body could lead to high blood pressure, hypertension and even heart attack. This is one main reason why patients with this narcissistic mental disorder die faster than normal people. In addition, their narcissistic behaviors may turn off many others, causing them to have no friends at all. This could lead to depression if the individual is unable to find any one to show off. This is also another reason why shorter life expectancy occurs in people with this disorder. This could ultimately lead to drug or alcohol abuse, which could further shorten one’s
This paper will aim to define narcissistic personality disorder as a whole. The document will cover the topics of symptoms, prevalence, and contributing factor. In addition to covering the general description of the disorder the paper will present a case study to provide a clearer image of the parameters of NPD. 2 scientific studies will be presented in order to offer empirical data regarding NPD and to add knowledge recently acquired through experimentation.
The fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual describes personality disorders as being a pattern of enduring behavior and internal experiences that tends to digress a significant amount from the individual’s cultural and societal standards (Sadock, Kaplan & Sadock, 2015). This personality disorder is diagnosed in the presence of grandiosity and the need to be admired and appreciated. There is a chronic lack of empathy as well as inflated self-esteem and the belief that one is entitled to the adoration of others. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is classified under Cluster B, showcasing more erratic and emotional behavior which can be seen in the film American Psycho.
Although someone diagnosed with NPD may seem to have this overconfidence, those individuals have low self-esteems and negative criticism are not their cup of tea. What society tends to call those with NPD are cocky, arrogant, conceited, or “big-headed.” NPD individuals look down on others and try to belittle others. Individuals with NPD tend to take over in the presence of conversations, they have a sense of entitlement, and if those with NPD does not get their way or special treatment, they will become angry. Further researched proved that narcissism have a
Believing that you are superior and can only be understood by or associate with equally special people
This personality disorder can be caused by how the child was raised and their own personal feelings. A person with a low self-esteem is the most common reason why narcissism begins (Thomas 1). If they feel uncomfortable or inferior in a situation a narcissist will immediately beef up their image and self-worth to make them feel superior again (Thomas 1). Narcissists become very defensive when people question their accomplishments or talents because they have to try and keep their ego and image safe (Thomas 1). Another aspect that contributes to narcissism is the way the parents raised the child. Permissive parenting encourages the child to rely completely on themselves, so they have to be independent (Thomas 1). With this type of parenting there usually are not any guidelines or rules for the kid to follow so they would eventually develop the
Narcissism is defined as the love of ones self. Sigmund Freud was the first to use the word to characterize certain character traits. He got the word from the Greek mythological legend Narcissus who saw his reflection in water and fell in love with himself. Freud suggests that all of us have a bit of self love, but when self love goes extreme it can be a problem and is considered a pathological problem. Nora from “The Doll House,” only exuded narcissistic behavior because she was treated like a doll. She was spoiled and only thought that that was how she was supposed to behave in order to get what she wanted or to please the men in her
He is the person most insensitive to his true needs. The narcissist will have a pattern of (grandiosity), the need for admiration, and lack empathy, that will be present in early adulthood.
The common sociopath has trouble with interactions through the early stages in life. An example being the social normality throughout school and adolescence. The social awkwardness perceived through peers can create the anxiety and paranoia through a sociopath’s mindset. Potentially turning paranoia and anxiety into a violent spurt. They rarely use their conscious when making decision that can affect other people. A majority, are in a constant state of traveling either as a runaway or living in shelters. Many are prideful about their anti-authoritative nature which can lead to a more sadistic lifestyle making rebellion a natural state of mind. As time progresses the condition gradually worsens. Generally, these people are satisfied with their
But first we need to know what narcissism is, so there will be an introduction about different kinds of narcissism.
Another cause an individual will become a narcissistic is because it was a learned behavior. When a caregiver is too concerned with their “own preoccupations to be with their child, they often raise narcissistic children” (Summers & Summers, 2006). Due to this, the only time that a narcissistic
This paper is an attempt to shed some light on Narcissistic Personality Disorder. Many people who have this disorder are not usually aware that they have it. People who have a narcissistic personality can have many problems arise in their relationships, on their jobs, and at school. Narcissistic personality disorder is a rare case here in the US, with less than 200,000 reported cases a year. It might be because it isn’t reported enough and most the people who do have it are not going to just come out and say that they do. A person who is a narcissist usually exhibits a fixation with power, vanity, prestige, and personal importance. They are mentally unable to see the damage they are causing to themselves and the people around them. More awareness should be spread about this disorder so that it will become more identifiable in people and better treatment can be discovered. Spreading awareness will also help those who have NPD with getting help for it.
This personality can make the person display unusual arrogance, lack of empathy as well as absolute need fro admiration that can be seen in the way they carry out their duties at work and generally how they would like to be perceived in a relationship.
It is hard and uncommon for someone to be diagnosed with NPD because when someone has narcissistic personality disorder, they may not want to think that anything could be wrong, doing so wouldn't fit with their self-image of power and perfection (American Psychiatric Association; 2013). Some psychologists say narcissism can be diagnosed by asking one question: “are you a Narcissist?” This is because some believe that if a person is narcissistic, then they will have no problem saying so because they are unable to see any flaws in themselves. People who are willing to admit that they are narcissistic are actually more narcissistic then others. Treatment of narcissistic personality disorder typically involves long-term psychotherapy with a therapist